In 1895, Schumate’s Store for “General Merchandise” opened to the public. Visitors and locals frequented the store and many people waited there for Hendricks Ferry to arrive. Many times, when the weather turned the roads to impassable mud, J.W. Schumate delivered food from his store to those in need in the area. Schumate operated the store for eight years before closing it up to invest in sawmills and gold mines where he became a local businessman who promised steady employment and a good wage.